Path: utzoo!censor!geac!torsqnt!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!cs.utexas.edu!sdd.hp.com!elroy.jpl.nasa.gov!zardoz.cpd.com!dhw68k!emmayche From: emmayche@dhw68k.cts.com (Mark Hartman) Newsgroups: comp.sys.mac.programmer Subject: Re: Idea for painless copy protection Message-ID: <1991Jan30.020329.22174@dhw68k.cts.com> Date: 30 Jan 91 02:03:29 GMT References: <3845@uakari.primate.wisc.edu> <43375@ut-emx.uucp> Distribution: na Organization: Wolfskill & Dowling residence; Anaheim, CA (USA) Lines: 32 At McDonnell-Douglas Space Systems Company (MDSSC; "We Build Space Stations"), we have nearly 4000 Macs on the network, in many widely-scattered locations. This same network also hosts our extensive VAX network (at least 30 machines, all with a heavy DECnet load). We use 4TH DIMENSION. 4D uses a similar technique, which as I understand it is to open a named network connection in such a manner that the name must be unique across the network. This is done asychronously; 4D will continue to run unless the call returns with an error. Should this happen, the information from the conflicting workstation is returned, and it's generally adequate to track down the conflict. This method adds no noticeable overhead to our large, busy, and ill-designed network. Since 4D requests that you enter the authorization code when you install the product (rather than use keyed disks :-( ), some simple (and easily automatable) bookkeeping is all that is required. Many lazy system administrators hold to the selfish credo that "if copy protection gets in my way at all, I won't use the product." My viewpoint is that I am willing to take a little time (not a lot, but a little) to help my software supplier protect their return-on-investment. If I don't, chances are that not enough copies will be sold to justify upgrades and support, which will decrease the value of MY investment. Software piracy and the perceived need to protect software from pirates go hand in hand; if you're not part of the solution (to coin a phrase), why not? -- Mark Hartman, N6BMO "What are you just standing there for? Where Applelink: N1083 or BINARY.TREE do you think you are, DIS-ney World??" Internet: emmayche@dhw68k.cts.com -- General Knowledge, from uucp: ...{spsd,zardoz,felix}!dhw68k!emmayche CRANIUM COMMAND